shinobi just because Earl said aloud during play that the referee didn't see it, doesn't mean it's an admission he knew he fouled. It's a different point altogether.
personally, even if Earl DID know at the time he fouled, I don't necesserally blame Earl for stating that the ref didn't see it. They're playing a short race for quite a lot of money, why should he admit to it??
what is it about billiard games in general that people seem to think we need some holier than thou degree of 'sportsmanship'? These people are competitors at the end of the day battling for scraps as well.
it frustrates me when i watch snooker (main cue sport in england) and a players' arm hair touches a ball which doesn't affect the game in the slightest and the player gives up his turn declaring a foul on himself! I don't respect that at all, I think it's bloody stupid!
if i remember correctly in that video (can't watch it again now i'm at work), Earl makes a legitimate point about him feeling the equipment cost him a rack or something - so he said why should he feel obligated to donating ball in hand to his opponent? When you actually think about it and get past the instant "shock horror what a terrible thing to say", it's actually a decent point.